In our last several topics, we have talked about crossing barriers to share the Gospel and four different approaches to share the Gospel. Today, we are going to begin a series of topics on how to use our spiritual gifts to effectively build relationships with non-Christians, so we can have the opportunity to share the gospel with them. We will look particularly at the seven spiritual gifts in Romans 12:6-8, since those verses tell us that every Christian has one or more of the spiritual gifts listed in those verses. “Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.”
In these verses, we see that seven different spiritual gifts are listed:
In 1 Peter 4:10-11, we see that spiritual gifts are used primarily to serve other Christians. “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Although our gifts are used primarily to serve other Christians, we can also use them effectively in evangelism. In these verses, we also see that we use our spiritual gifts in two different ways:
In building relationships to share the Gospel, with those who are not yet Christians, some of us will build those relationships primarily by what we say, while others will build those relationships primarily by what we do. That is why evangelism is most effective when we work together as a team. As Paul said, in 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” Since we have been given different gifts, we need to ask ourselves the questions: “How do I build relationships with non-Christians most effectively?” “Do I build those relationships primarily by what I say or primarily by what I do?”
The way we build relationships, both with Christians and non-Christians, is often related to our spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says, “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all...” In these verses, we see that:
Since the Holy Spirit, the Son, and the Father all work together to prepare us to build relationships with others, we will be ineffective if we just depend on ourselves, instead of depending on all of the resources the Trinity provides for us to minister effectively. That is why we continually need to pray about every part of our ministry, so we do all that we do in the strength the Trinity provides, rather than our own.
This is especially true in the use of our spiritual gifts. If we depend on our own strength, we will misuse our spiritual gifts rather than using them effectively. That is why Paul had to spend three chapters in 1 Corinthians talking about the proper use of spiritual gifts. The center chapter of those three talks about the importance of love in the use of our spiritual gifts. Without love, we are nothing and will accomplish nothing positive.
That is why Paul prayed daily that the Ephesians would be rooted and grounded in love. (Ephesians 3:16-19) Then, in Colossians 2:6-7, Paul explained how we walk in Christ. “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.” These verses teach us that:
If we do not take root in Christ, and His love, the New Testament mentions two other roots that may develop in our lives. Those two roots will drive people away from Christ, instead of drawing them to Him. The two negative roots mentioned in the New Testament are:
In our next seven topics, we will be looking at the seven spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12:6-8, and how the Lord wants to use your particular gifts to build relationships with non-Christians for the purpose of evangelism. May the Lord richly bless you as you continue to take deeper root in Christ, and His love, since that will determine how effectively you are able to use your spiritual gifts for evangelism and ministry to other Christians.
Growing Christian Leaders Series – Developing Effective Evangelism 11. “Building Relationships for Evangelism Through Spiritual Gifts" Updated March 2026 Copyright © 2000, Duane L. Anderson, American Indian Bible Institute; 2022, DLA, Serve and Equip Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. This resource is available from and distributed free of charge by Serve and Equip https://sveq.org ANY REPRODUCTION OF MATERIAL FOR RESALE OR PROFIT IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED
